FCBARCELONA.CAT

19.09.2007 23:58

Players believe win will boost confidence

Vanessa Forns

The players were delighted with the comfortable 3-0 win against Olympique Lyon and told reporters it was a real morale boost ahead of a busy domestic and European schedule.

There were plenty of smiling faces in the changing room after the match. Lionel Messi returned to the team and scored while Milito, Bojan and Giovani got their first experience of the Champions League. The general feeling was that the win is the perfect way to prepare for Saturday’s vital league clash with Sevilla. The players were pleased with the all-round performance and felt they’d put on a good show for fans.

Xavi Hernández:

“The result was very good and the goal average could be important. It doesn’t reflect how much we had to work, but we played well”.

“The team demonstrated that it has bounced back and we’re gradually improving”.

“The defensive system worked very well and in midfield we didn’t let them control the ball”.

“We’ve always had confidence in the boss. We have a lot of challenges and we want to meet them”.

“I continue feeling important in the group”.

“Let’s hope we win our third Champions League”.

“We mustn’t drop any points at home”.

Lionel Messi:

“It was very important to win tonight because we weren’t getting the results we wanted and the fans weren’t happy with us”.

“The team made a good impression against a great opponent”.

“The goal I scored was almost entirely Iniesta’s work”.

Andrés Iniesta:

“It wasn’t an easy game. The team got in front and dominated a good part of the match”.

“We were up against a great team and they didn’t make life easy for us”.

“Every game will be like a Cup final and it’s important that the team has started with a win. It gives us confidence”.

“The most important thing is that the team has the right attitude. We have to be united”.

“If we all pull in the same direction, it’ll be Barça that comes out winning”.

“The Sevilla match will be very tricky. They’re a compact team”.

”We want to keep on winning in the league”.

Gianluca Zambrotta:

“We played well and created a lot of chances”.

“We could have won by a bigger margin but we’re happy with the way Barça played”.

“When we play at home the matches are easier for us. We worked well as a team today and created a lot of chances”.

“Once again we found a winning mentality”.

“This result will boost our confidence for the matches ahead, starting with Saturday’s game against Sevilla”.

Gaby Milito:

“I felt good on the pitch, very comfortable. I’ve fulfilled a dream against a difficult opponent”.

“Tonight’s result is very important for us”.

“We pressed them hard and we didn’t let them play their game”.

“A win is always good for your confidence”.

“We all enjoyed ourselves tonight”.

Giovani dos Santos:

“I’m delighted to have made my Champions League debut for Barça”.

“It’s a dream come true”.

“I’ve been working for this moment. Now I have to take advantage of the opportunity and keep the boss’s confidence”.

“We have a great team and both Bojan and I are determined to succeed and win medals”.

“The team was serious right from the kick-off. We worked well in every area”.

“The fans supported us the whole match. It’s important to stay on the same wavelength all season”.